Y&R restructures after Howcroft departure

Following news of Russel Howcroft's move to Ten, Y&R Brands has boosted ANZ chief financial officer Jason Buckley to Sydney chief operations officer of a number of agencies.

Network Ten revealed today the current Y&R Group chief executive and Gruen regular, Howcroft, will operate as general manager of its Melbourne group from 2013.

It followed months of industry speculation and confirmed the move AdNews had tipped several months prior.

Howcroft's departure has resulted in the agency building upon its current ANZ chief financial officer Jason Buckley's responsibilities, with the role of Sydney chief operations officer. Buckley will oversee George Patterson Y&R, VML and Ideaworks' Sydney offices, and continue to work both roles.

Y&R Global chief executive David Sable said: “In the past few years, we have focused on making each of our local offices leaders in their markets, and the group’s unity of purpose has resulted in great, effective work that is recognized globally. We have strong people in place everywhere, and plan a seamless transition.

“The creative leadership of Ben Coulson, Julian Watt and Piet Human; the strategic genius of Jon Steel and the senior executive team of Steve Doherty, Jon Bird and Phil McDonald have made Y&R the one of the leading marcoms networks in Australia.

"The recent additions of James Hurman and Josh Moore in New Zealand have further bolstered our management resources. Our aggressive digital expansion included the launch of VML Australia this year and our digital leaders, Aden Hepburn, Rob Hudson and Matt Farrugia are enormously talented," Sable added.

Howcroft, who will take on the new role early next year, will oversee the network's Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne operations. He will report to Ten chief James Warburton.

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